Do you know where fear and anxiety start?
In Your Mind.
Fear is inevitable, but we can take control of our thoughts.
The Bible says in Proverbs 23:7, “As a man thinks in his heart so is he.”
We are what we think. A thought must be in our mind before we can act upon it, but the Bible also instructs us,
“For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ…”
2 Corinthians 10:3-5
Let’s break this down . . .
A stronghold in this context is wrong thoughts and perceptions that contradict the true knowledge and nature of God.
It is often hard to let go of thinking that the world values, but God’s power can break down these strongholds.
Here is the problem with our thoughts . . . our thoughts are unseen. Nobody knows how we really feel. You may think that your thoughts are insignificant, however, they are not.
They affect our relationship with God.
They affect our relationship with others.
They can even affect our health.
Many times, your negative or anxious thoughts are Satan’s way of distracting you from God and the plans he has for you.
Satan will tell you . . .
- You’re not good enough.
- That it’s ok to sin a little.
- The church is not important.
- Following God’s word is too hard.
- That you should be perfect, and if you can’t you should just not try.
[clickToTweet tweet=”Remember your thoughts will become your actions. We do what we choose to believe. ” quote=”Remember your thoughts will become your actions. We do what we choose to believe. “]
We do not act upon things that we do not believe.
Think about it for a moment . . . why did you choose to sit in the chair that you are sitting in?
Because you BELIEVE that it will hold you up. Right?
There is a lot of power in our thoughts and beliefs.
Romans 12:2 tells us,
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Want to know what to do with your thoughts?
Transform them . . . the battle is all in your mind.
The battle is Satan attempting to gain control of your thought life, but you do NOT have to allow him to do so.
You can choose.
[clickToTweet tweet=”When Satan attacks you with negative thoughts you have about 5 seconds to take that thought captive ” quote=”When Satan attacks you with negative thoughts you have about 5 seconds to take that thought captive, or that thought is going to take you captive. “]
The devil knows if he can control your mind, he can control you, because remember, “As a man thinks, so is he.”
You can fight for your thought life. The weapons that you need are:
- The Word of God
- Prayer
- The authority we have in Christ
- The Holy Spirit who lives in us as Christians.
Remember, “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” James 4:7
Think about it. No one can think two things at a time. If you’re thinking what is right, you cannot be thinking what is wrong.
You can choose your thoughts, just like you choose your friends, what you will eat, what you will wear.
Did you know you can refuse to let things in your mind?
The Bible says we have the mind of Christ. 1 Corinthians 2:16
In closing, when you are struggling with your thoughts remember . . . Philippians 4:8
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.”
LinkUps This Post is Linked To: #RaRaLinkup , #TestimonyTuesday, #CoffeeForYourHeart, #SaltandLight, #HeartEncouragment, #livefree, #DancewithJesus, #GraceandTruth, & #ChasingCommunity
You’re writing on one of my favorite topics today. When I first came to understand the renewing of my mind, thirty something years ago, it changed my life!
Great topic and points! I just asked the Lord’s help this morning after spending too much time “just thinking” about something that isn’t fruitful for the Lord! Thankful He makes us able to take thoughts captive for Him and that He helps us!
Renewing our mind is a DAILY task that we must conquer.
The power of the Word never fails. This is a topic I like to teach on because it brings such freedom. Thanks for the reminder today.
Amen to that!
Great post! I’m sharing it on Facebook and Twitter!
Awe thank you so much Sarah!
Great thoughts. I love, “Many times, your negative or anxious thoughts are Satan’s way of distracting you from God and the plans he has for you.” So true. Thank you for your encouragement, Alyssa!
Thank you for visiting my site Lisa!
The power of the Word is limitless. As we meditate on it and do it’s work, it cannot help but change us! Thanks!
Alyssa, thank you for this powerful reminder about our thought life! I have shared this in several places. I really appreciate having these verses and reminders!
Powerful words here. Reminds me of what our pastor says, “The mind is God’s classroom, Satan’s playground and the Christian’s battlefield.” Thanks for the reminder to take my thoughts captive. Stopping by from Suzie’s blog.
I love that quote.
Powerful!
This post is spot on. I know personally that when we meditate on the wrong things it really does effect our health. Thank you for posting. Stopping by from Salt and Light Link Up.